Dynamics and management of the coastal dunes of the Landes, Gascony, France
Barrère, P. (1992). Dynamics and management of the coastal dunes of the Landes, Gascony, France, in: Carter, R.W.G. et al. (Ed.) Coastal dunes: geomorphology, ecology and management for conservation: Proceedings of the 3rd European Dune Congress Galway, Ireland, 17-21 June 1992. pp. 25-32
In: Carter, R.W.G.; Curtis, T.G.F.; Sheehy-Skeffington, M.J. (Ed.) (1992). Coastal dunes: Geomorphology, ecology and management for conservation: Proceedings of the 3rd European Dune Congress Galway, Ireland, 17-21 June 1992. A.A. Balkema [etc.]: Rotterdam. ISBN 90-5410-058-3. 533 pp., meer
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Abstract |
The rectilinear sandy coastline of the Landes, Gascony, is receding fast with serious repercussions for the dune system. The coastal dune was established in the nineteenth century to protect the forest, and was artificially-shaped into a rampart 12 to 15 m high running 230 km from north to south, on which the 'oyat' (Ammophila arenaria) was planted. The dune fell into disrepair, but work began again in 1945 with the aid of heavy machinery. Good results have been obtained by the Office National des Forêts (ONF) on dunes having the domanial status; however, total mastery of the aeolian dynamics has been difficult to achieve in a chain of dunes whose height is now excessive (over 20 m), and which is attacked by the sea, forming high sandy ridges. Damage has become extreme in those private or communal areas where maintenance is insufficient and the influx of tourists high. The sand is now invading the forest and threatening dwellings. Fundamental research on aeolian dynamics and vegetation cover by the Université de Bordeaux III on behalf of the ONF and the Conservatoire du Littoral has produced 'cartes écodynamiques' on a scale of 1: 5000. These maps detail the forms of destabilization and distinguish the 'faciès progressifs' from the 'faciès régressifs' of the vegetation cover. They are used for deciding on the technical action comprised by the 'plans d'intervention'. Preventive methods have evolved from physically disruptive procedures, which destroyed the ecosystem, to more careful forms of action. Undulating relief with a lower aerodynamic resistance are now allowed and provision of a greater diversity of stabilizing vegetation is now under study. |
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